Other lures 'can't touch this'

A new business in Shell Beach is casting an idea for fishing lures that really "puts the bling on your string." Teri Conrad and MacDaddy McBurney have recently started a wholesale business that sells fishing lures made from diamonds and gold.

McBurney and Conrad both grew up fishing with their fathers and learned the simple family values that come with passing time with the folks. McBurney stresses the importance of getting children away from television and computers and getting back the outdoors where families can bond by sharing stories while waiting for the big one.

"I was a notorious tomboy and a pretty good fisherman when I was a girl," said Conrad. "The only thing was I didn't like was the smell of the stinky bait."

This is one inspiration that sparked the idea to create a gift for the man, or woman, who has everything. These lures don't squirm or squish, but are actually nice enough to be worn as jewelry. You may even frame one as cherished memorabilia after risking one in exchange for a regular ol' worm.

"There is nothing greater than the adrenaline rush one feels when casting one of these into the water. It makes you feel like a kid again," said Conrad.

The lures have been scientifically designed to catch fish, and the bling is sure to attract elite-class salmon and trout. McBurney is a third-generation jeweler with more than 27 years of experience, and designs the lures right in Shell beach.

"Nothing shines better than gold and diamonds in water. We put the bling on your string, but how good's your knot?" chuckled McBurney.

This is no joke, however; one of these shiny beauties can set you back up to $1 million and probably a heart attack if some lucky lunker swims off with your real prize.

Next year or later, after the lure business takes off, McBurney and Conrad plan to throw a fishing tournament at Lake Tahoe with a catch prize of $1 million. They will have a fish tagged and put back into the lake and if you are lucky enough to reel it in you can pay off your MacDaddy lure. For info on these lures, or to check out the merchandise, call 234-4789, or log on to www.macdaddysfishinglures.com.

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